The United States will buy another 6 million barrels (of 159 liters) in the fall, according to the US Department of Energy. This means that a total of about 12 million barrels will be purchased this year. The country also uses those stocks in emergencies, such as if oil production is affected by hurricanes. There are now said to be nearly 350 million barrels in those reserves, while storage capacity is over 700 million barrels.
The ministry has indicated that more oil will be purchased, depending on market conditions. The United States built up its national strategic reserves in the aftermath of the 1970s oil crisis, which erupted after an oil boycott by Arab countries. These are the largest emergency oil reserves in the world, housed in underground reservoirs in the states of Texas and Louisiana.